Hiker Airlifted Following Rattlesnake Bite on Remote Trail Amid Rising Incident Rates

A hiker found herself in a precarious situation when a venomous rattlesnake bit her during a trek along Southern California’s remote trails. The incident necessitated an airlift to ensure her safety and prompt medical care.

This alarming encounter occurred on Thursday while the woman was exploring the Long Canyon Trail in the Wood Ranch community of Simi Valley. It marks the seventh rattlesnake-related incident in Ventura County within the last month, as the recent high temperatures have led to increased snake activity.

The Ventura County Fire Department swiftly responded to the situation, transporting the woman to Los Robles Regional Medical Center. There, she received anti-venom treatment and is reported to be in stable condition, suffering only minor injuries.

Local news outlet KTLA has noted that while rattlesnake sightings generally peak later in the summer, the current heatwave has brought about an earlier surge in snake encounters in the region.

With this recent incident adding to the growing number of rattlesnake encounters, it serves as a reminder of the heightened risks posed by the sweltering conditions. Hikers are advised to remain vigilant and take necessary precautions when venturing into these areas.

A Thousand Oaks woman died in March after being bitten by a rattlesnake while hiking at Wildwood Regional Park, a short distance from Thursday’s incident.

Ventura County Fire Department Public Information Officer Andrew Dowd told Fox News Digital crews have seen an increase in rattlesnake activity and bites compared to last year. 

“This was the seventh reported snakebite in Ventura County since mid-march,” Dowd said. “However, at least two of these have not occurred on hiking trails and hiking areas.

“While the total number of rattlesnake bites has increased for the same period as last year (we had nine total in 2025), it is still a very small number of the total calls we run here in the county,” he added. 

“Still, these are serious emergencies and traumatic for the people who experience them. We always encourage residents and visitors to call 911 immediately if they are bitten.”

While deaths from rattlesnake bites are rare, they can cause pain and swelling around the bite site that can worsen and lead to severe tissue damage, according to Poison Control.

While rattlesnake bites are not typically deadly, they can still cause pain and swelling around the bite site. (Megan Varner/Getty Images)

Depending on the species, the venom can also affect the blood’s ability to clot, causing bleeding.

After the hiker was airlifted to the Los Robles Regional Medical Center, she received anti-venom treatment and is in stable condition. (NC Emergency Management)

Dowd told Fox News Digital that avid hikers should remain vigilant by making sure they are wearing proper clothing, including long pants, proper boots and gaiters. They should also avoid deviating from designated trails and steer clear of dense vegetation.

If bitten by a rattlesnake, victims should stay calm, limit movement, call 911 and seek emergency medical attention, avoiding myths such as sucking out the venom or applying ice.